Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Down the years Cross Rhythms reviewers have had to endure some pretty dreadful cheese which roughly comes into the country gospel category. So it's a delight to encounter this lovingly compiled album by many of country gospel's pioneers. From the Albert Brumley-penned title song (two renditions here, one by the Louvin Brothers, the other by Whitey & Hogan) to giants of mainstream country like Hank Williams and Roy Acuff, this is crammed full of musical delights. From the archaic mountain style 1928 recording of Ernest V Stoneman to the yodelling-tinged tenor of Hank Locklin there's country, real country, for every taste. My current favourites are bluegrass giant Bill Monroe's rendition of "Shine, Halleluyah, Shine" and the Carter Family reminding us there's "No Telephone In Heaven" but each play reveals a new delight. If O Brother Where Art Thou has awakened your interest in country gospel roots, here's music to satisfy it.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.